Rajasthan Royals have shifted their demands in the blockbuster Sanju Samson trade with Chennai Super Kings. While Ravindra Jadeja remains locked in as part of the deal, RR are now pushing for Matheesha Pathirana instead of Sam Curran as the second player.​

The Changing Landscape

According to The Indian Express, Jadeja’s inclusion in the trade is confirmed, but negotiations continue over which second CSK player will join him at Rajasthan. Initially, CSK offered England all-rounder Sam Curran when RR demanded a second player alongside Jadeja. However, the Royals have now set their sights on Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana instead.​

The problem? Chennai Super Kings are unwilling to trade Pathirana. The five-time champions have been grooming the young quick for years and expect him to play a major role going forward. This standoff could become a deal-breaker if both sides don’t find common ground.​

Why RR Want Pathirana

Rajasthan’s interest in Pathirana makes sense from a team-building perspective. The 21-year-old has emerged as one of the most exciting pace prospects in T20 cricket, with his slinging action and deadly yorkers making him a nightmare for batters in the death overs.

Pathirana set a record when Pretoria Capitals bid heavily for him during the SA20 auction in September, with Joburg Super Kings—CSK’s affiliate—withdrawing just before the final bid was made. His value in franchise cricket has skyrocketed, making him a prized asset CSK are reluctant to give up.​

The Jadeja Factor

CSK agreed to include Jadeja only after the player gave his consent. Before that decision, lengthy discussions took place between MS Dhoni, captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, and head coach Stephen Fleming.​

Jadeja, who started his IPL career with Rajasthan Royals in 2008 and 2009, has spent most of his career at CSK. He’s been a frontline player for them, contributing to three of their five titles. The all-rounder was even promoted to captain when Dhoni stepped away before the 2022 season, though he later relinquished the role after a difficult start.​

Trading him away after a 13-year association will sting for CSK fans, but the franchise appears ready to make the sacrifice to land Samson.​

Why CSK Want Samson

Chennai see Samson as a long-term solution at wicketkeeper-batter, eventually succeeding MS Dhoni when the 44-year-old legend finally retires. A CSK official confirmed to PTI, “Everyone knows we are interested in getting Sanju. We have expressed our interest in procuring him in this trading window. RR is yet to confirm as their management said they are weighing the options. We are hopeful Sanju will play for CSK”.​

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes Dhoni is the driving force behind this move. “Dhoni’s long-term vision seems clear—he’s ready to give up Jadeja to bring in a future captain,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.​

Kaif even suggested this could be Dhoni’s final IPL season, possibly one he doesn’t complete. “If Sanju settles well with the team and management, Dhoni could hand him the reins,” he explained.​

Samson Ready for Change

Samson has represented Rajasthan Royals for 11 years and has captained the side since IPL 2021. After IPL 2025 concluded, the wicketkeeper-batter admitted he was looking for a change and wanted to be released by the franchise.​

Reports suggest negotiations between CSK and RR have been ongoing for five months, dating back to when the Major League Cricket season was happening in the US. Samson even held talks with CSK management during that period.​

The Financial Equation

Both Jadeja and Samson are valued at Rs 18 crore, making a straight swap financially feasible. The deal could have been sealed by now if not for RR’s insistence on a second player.​

Sam Curran, acquired by CSK for Rs 2.4 crore in the 2025 auction, represents far less financial value. Pathirana’s market value is significantly higher given his recent performance and age, which explains why CSK are reluctant to include him.​

Other Interested Parties

Rajasthan haven’t limited their options to Chennai. They’ve reportedly contacted other franchises including Sunrisers Hyderabad, Lucknow Super Giants, Delhi Capitals, and Kolkata Knight Riders.​

Earlier reports suggested RR had also tried to include Dewald Brevis in a potential deal with CSK, but the South African batter appears to be another player Chennai won’t part with.​

Trade Process

For the deal to proceed, both franchises must submit an expression of interest to the IPL governing council. Once all players provide written consent, the teams can finalize the agreement, which must then be ratified by the governing body.​

The November 15 retention deadline adds urgency to these negotiations. With just days remaining, both sides need to reach an agreement soon or risk the deal falling through entirely.

What Happens Next

If CSK refuse to budge on Pathirana and RR won’t accept Curran as the second player, the entire trade could collapse—much like the earlier attempt with Delhi Capitals did when RR demanded Sameer Rizvi alongside Tristan Stubbs.

However, given how far these negotiations have progressed and the involvement of senior figures like MS Dhoni, both franchises appear motivated to find a solution. The next few days will reveal whether compromise is possible or if one of IPL’s biggest potential trades falls apart at the final hurdle.